Overview

Trip Length

Season

Adventure Type

Min. Age

8 years

Trip Begins/Ends

San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose, Costa Rica

Nearest Airports

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Experience Costa Rica’s leading role in organic food production on this 8-day tour from San José while enjoying the natural beauty of two of its most impressive eco-lodges. Go wildlife spotting in the Tiskita Private Biological Reserve before discovering the tropical fruits in the lodge’s organic orchard, then enjoy the “farm to table” dining experiences of Finca Luna Nueva while creating your own chocolate from scratch.

Itinerary

Fly into the Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José where you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to the Grano de Oro, a Victorian mansion which has been transformed into one of San Jose’s finest hotels. Take time to visit the city’s art galleries and museums or just relax in the hotel’s jacuzzi as you prepare for the coming adventures.

ACCOMMODATION : Grano de Oro

Day 2

San José to Puerto Jimenez and the Tiskita Jungle Lodge

You’ll be picked up from your hotel this morning and transferred to the domestic terminal of the San José Airport for your flight to Puerto Jimenez. Upon arrival, you’ll be driven to the docks to board a scenic boat ride to Pavones Beach, keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales along the way. From here it’s just a short drive to the Tiskita Jungle Lodge which boasts a magnificent setting on a palm-fringed beach.

Tiskita’s cozy cabins are surrounded by a private nature reserve and tropical fruit orchard, with plenty of walking trails to explore. It’s an environmentally sustainable property and is dedicated to supporting local conservation projects, including sea turtle restoration and the reintroduction of scarlet macaws.

ACCOMMODATION : Tiskita Jungle Lodge

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Tiskita Private Biological Reserve

Embark on a guided rainforest hike through the Tiskita Private Biological Reserve to spot squirrel monkeys, sloths, agoutis, coatis and iguanas. Your naturalist guide will help you to find well-camouflaged frogs, pacas, snakes and kinkajous, together with elusive jaguarundis and ocelots. Opt for the easily accessible Stream Trail or the more challenging Back Trail, then return to relax by Tiskita Lodge’s swimming pool.

ACCOMMODATION : Tiskita Jungle Lodge

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Tiskita´s Organic Tropical Fruit Plantation

This morning you’ll be joined by the owner of Tiskita Lodge, Peter Aspinall, for a guided walk around his tropical fruit plantation. He’s collected more than 125 different varieties to grow in his organic orchard, many of which are used in the lodge’s kitchen. There are a number of walking trails which meander through the orchard and surrounding rainforest, with fruit trees that include mango, papaya, guava, grapefruit, jackfruit, mangosteen and South American sapote.

There are also a range of optional activities which you can book through the lodge, including horseback riding, snorkeling, bird watching, boat excursions, yoga classes and surf lessons.

ACCOMMODATION : Tiskita Jungle Lodge

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Tiskita - San José - La Fortuna

This morning you will board a charter flight for the short trip to San José where you’ll be met by a guide and transferred to La Fortuna, stopping at the local market in Sam Ramon along the way. You’ll also be treated to a traditional Costa Rican lunch at the home of Doña Flory before continuing on to Finca Luna Nueva Lodge. This recreational paradise offers “farm to table” dining experiences, together with miles of walking trails that weave through the surrounding rainforest and agricultural farmlands. Relax on your wrap-around porch and while away the hours in a hammock, soaking up the mountainous views.

ACCOMMODATION : Finca Luna Nueva Lodge

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Finca Luna Nueva

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Finca Luna Nueva's Organic Farm on a guided tour to discover how they are working with the environment to create healthy and organic produce. The finca is a leader in the “regenerative agriculture” revolution, giving back to the land by enhancing the topsoil and biological diversity.

In the afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to visit Luna Nueva’s cacao plantation where more than 300 cacao trees are grown. Learn the ancient art of chocolate production and its modern developments while making your own hot chocolate. Roast and grind the fermented cacao beans using a grinding stone that was carved by indigenous people from volcanic rock, then spice and flavor your hot chocolate with vanilla, chile, achiote or annatto.

ACCOMMODATION : Finca Luna Nueva Lodge

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

La Fortuna – Naranjo

This morning you’ll be transferred from San Carlos to the Chayote Lodge in Naranjo, Alajuela. This unique accommodation features bungalows inspired by the Central Valley’s rich coffee culture, resembling Costa Rica’s traditional recibidores or “coffee receiving stations”. Each element of the property has been designed to tell the story of coffee pickers and their lifestyle and the role they have played in Costa Rica’s cultural history.

ACCOMMODATION : Chayote Lodge

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Naranjo – San José International Airport

It’s time to say goodbye to Costa Rica as you are transferred from Naranjo to the San José International Airport for your international flight home.

Fly into the Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José where you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to the Grano de Oro, a Victorian mansion which has been transformed into one of San Jose’s finest hotels. Take time to visit the city’s art galleries and museums or just relax in the hotel’s jacuzzi as you prepare for the coming adventures.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel this morning and transferred to the domestic terminal of the San José Airport for your flight to Puerto Jimenez. Upon arrival, you’ll be driven to the docks to board a scenic boat ride to Pavones Beach, keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales along the way. From here it’s just a short drive to the Tiskita Jungle Lodge which boasts a magnificent setting on a palm-fringed beach.

Tiskita’s cozy cabins are surrounded by a private nature reserve and tropical fruit orchard, with plenty of walking trails to explore. It’s an environmentally sustainable property and is dedicated to supporting local conservation projects, including sea turtle restoration and the reintroduction of scarlet macaws.

Embark on a guided rainforest hike through the Tiskita Private Biological Reserve to spot squirrel monkeys, sloths, agoutis, coatis and iguanas. Your naturalist guide will help you to find well-camouflaged frogs, pacas, snakes and kinkajous, together with elusive jaguarundis and ocelots. Opt for the easily accessible Stream Trail or the more challenging Back Trail, then return to relax by Tiskita Lodge’s swimming pool.

This morning you’ll be joined by the owner of Tiskita Lodge, Peter Aspinall, for a guided walk around his tropical fruit plantation. He’s collected more than 125 different varieties to grow in his organic orchard, many of which are used in the lodge’s kitchen. There are a number of walking trails which meander through the orchard and surrounding rainforest, with fruit trees that include mango, papaya, guava, grapefruit, jackfruit, mangosteen and South American sapote.

There are also a range of optional activities which you can book through the lodge, including horseback riding, snorkeling, bird watching, boat excursions, yoga classes and surf lessons.

This morning you will board a charter flight for the short trip to San José where you’ll be met by a guide and transferred to La Fortuna, stopping at the local market in Sam Ramon along the way. You’ll also be treated to a traditional Costa Rican lunch at the home of Doña Flory before continuing on to Finca Luna Nueva Lodge. This recreational paradise offers “farm to table” dining experiences, together with miles of walking trails that weave through the surrounding rainforest and agricultural farmlands. Relax on your wrap-around porch and while away the hours in a hammock, soaking up the mountainous views.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Finca Luna Nueva's Organic Farm on a guided tour to discover how they are working with the environment to create healthy and organic produce. The finca is a leader in the “regenerative agriculture” revolution, giving back to the land by enhancing the topsoil and biological diversity.

In the afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to visit Luna Nueva’s cacao plantation where more than 300 cacao trees are grown. Learn the ancient art of chocolate production and its modern developments while making your own hot chocolate. Roast and grind the fermented cacao beans using a grinding stone that was carved by indigenous people from volcanic rock, then spice and flavor your hot chocolate with vanilla, chile, achiote or annatto.

This morning you’ll be transferred from San Carlos to the Chayote Lodge in Naranjo, Alajuela. This unique accommodation features bungalows inspired by the Central Valley’s rich coffee culture, resembling Costa Rica’s traditional recibidores or “coffee receiving stations”. Each element of the property has been designed to tell the story of coffee pickers and their lifestyle and the role they have played in Costa Rica’s cultural history.

Images & Videos

FAQ & More

Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica. Because Tourism is one of the principal industries in the country, today many ticos speak English as well. If you feel like using your Spanish while traveling, go ahead! Ticos love to practice Spanish with visitors. It doesn't matter if it is poor or very good, just give it a try and add more words to your Spanish vocabulary.

The Costa Rica National currency is the colon. Credit cards (VISA - MASTER CARD) are widely accepted. US dollars are accepted in almost every part of the country. It is always good to take at least $300 per person, in case of any emergency, as well as for souvenirs and tipping.

Costa Rica is a tropical country situated between 8 and 11 degrees above the equator. It has only two seasons: dry and green. The dry season runs between late December and April and the green or rainy season lasts the rest of the year May through November, and still offers sunny mornings. The Caribbean coast stays green all year round due to the humidity. Average temperature ranges in San Jose are from 57 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in December to 63 to 81 ° F in May. The coasts are much hotter, with the Caribbean averaging 70° F at night and over 86° F during the day. The Pacific side is a few degrees warmer still, but due to a lower humidity it tends to be more comfortable.

U.S. Citizens traveling to Central America are required to carry a valid U.S. passport. Your passport must also be valid for six months after your return date from Central America to the U.S. If you are not a U.S. Citizen, contact the embassy, consulate or national airline of the country you are traveling to for entry requirements.

Wherever you go in Costa Rica, the abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables and grains will make of your meal a "must to eat it all experience". Many people think the cooking is like the way Mexican people cook, the answer is No. The ingredients we use are similar but the difference is that in a Costa Rican meal, rather than a spicy/ hot flavor, the food has the freshness of all of the ingredients in each bite. The Typical Costa Rican breakfast is called "Gallo Pinto". A mixture of rice and beans, cilantro and spices will be always on any menu in the country. Beef, chicken and seafood are also part of the Tico's diet.

• 13% tax and 10% gratuity are already added to restaurant bills. • $1 per bag at check-in and check-out and for bellboys. • $5.00 - $15.00 per person, per day for guides. • $3.00 - $5.00 for drivers, transfer guides and river guides per person, per day • $1.00 - $2.00 per night for housekeeping personal.

For example, for a 4-day trip with a private driver and guide for two people, an average tip would be $80 for the g

A $29.00 departure tax has to be paid when leaving the country. Before your check- in process, go to the bank counter inside the airport and pay the fee; the amount could be paid by cash / credit card. Complete the form on the back of the document and present it at the airline counter.